Vedder Price

Government Enforcement and Special InvestigationsVedderService

We bring a highly qualified team and extensive internal resources to companies, boards, committees, executives and others facing governmental and regulatory investigations, internal investigations, white collar criminal investigations and litigation. We understand the financial and reputational stakes involved in these sensitive matters and mobilize quickly to identify potential issues and develop a well-thought-out defense strategy. Our experienced team includes former attorneys at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), former prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), former senior staff with self-regulatory organizations and former principals in financial services companies.

A key strength of our counsel and representation is our ability to work closely and credibly with the government to resolve concerns before an enforcement action or prosecution is initiated. When the situation demands, however, we are prepared to vigorously defend enforcement actions, criminal prosecutions and related litigation.

Boards of directors and board committees also frequently retain us to conduct internal investigations into allegations raised by governmental agencies, whistleblowers or auditors. We also provide counsel on establishing and implementing compliance programs and promote proactive and early remediation in order to maximize benefits and the possibility of receiving cooperation credit from regulators and prosecutors. Government investigations often involve follow-on securities and fraud class actions and/or shareholder derivative demands. We regularly defend clients in claims of alleged breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unjust enrichment and other wrongful conduct.